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Staff

Ministry Leaders

Steve Mathewson

Senior Pastor

Steve Mathewson started in his position on May 7, 2006. Steve came to Libertyville from Belgrade, Montana, where he was the senior pastor of Dry Creek Bible Church. He received a Master of Arts Degree in Old Testament in 1986 from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Ore. Most recently, he received his Doctor of Ministry in 2000 from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass., where he studied preaching under Dr. Haddon Robinson. He and his wife, Priscilla, reside in Libertyville and have four adult children and grandchildren.

Roberto Cambrany

Pastor of Hispanic Ministries

Roberto Cambrany began his ministry with Iglesia Cristiana Unida in 1989. This congregation joined with CrossLife in February 1996 to become Iglesia Evangelica Libre. Roberto was born on June 7, 1962 and grew up in Veracruz, Mexico. He graduated from the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburgh, Tex. in 1989. Roberto and his wife, Irina, were married in 1989. Irina is also a graduate of the Rio Grande Bible Institute. Roberto and Irina live in Mundelein with their son. They also have a married adult daughter.

Rick Chalupnik

Pastor of Adult Ministries and Missions

Rick Chalupnik began to transition to this position on June 1, 2008. Rick was raised in a Christian home in Long Grove and was a Stevenson High School graduate. He grew up attending Des Plaines Evangelical Free Church and then attended and served at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church. Rick was our Youth Pastor from June 1997-June 2008. Rick received his Bachelor of Arts in 1992 from Trinity International University and his Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry in June 1997 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Rick and his wife reside in Libertyville. They have two adult age children.

Amy Cope

Director of Early Childhood Ministries

Amy Cope assumed her role as Director of Early Childhood Ministries on August 15, 2018. They have been part of CrossLife since 2005. Both became followers of Jesus through the ministry of Cru while students at the University of Illinois. Amy graduated with a B.S. in physics and a secondary education minor. She has served since 2005 as a volunteer in both our youth ministry and children’s ministry. Amy has also served on the leadership of our MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) ministry since 2007. Amy has a passion to help parents and their young children love God with all their hearts. Amy and her husband, Bryan, have four children, and live in Grayslake.

Andy Schmeck

Pastor of Student Ministries

Andy Schmeck started as Pastor of Student Ministries in September 2012. He graduated from Trinity International University with a degree in Biblical Studies, and has completed a Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Andy grew up in Princeton, Illinois, and graduated from Princeton High School. He currently resides in Gurnee with his wife, Brookelynn, and their two children.

Kristin Swanson

Director of Children's Ministries

Kristin Swanson assumed her role as Director of Children's Ministries on June 1, 1997. Previously, she was a part-time youth leader here while pursuing her Masters of Religious Education Degree. Kristin graduated from Trinity International University in 1994 with a Bachelors Degree in History and Secondary Education and she received her Masters Degree in June 1997 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Before coming to CrossLife, Kristin was a student teacher at Niles North High School, worked with students at Twin Groves Junior High in Buffalo Grove and was a tutor with the C.Y.C.L.E. program at Cabrini Green. Kristin lives in Libertyville with her husband, Todd, and three children.

Brad Thomas

Pastor of Worship Arts

Brad Thomas joined the CrossLife staff in a part time capacity in 2012. In January 2017, he transitioned to full time work as Pastor of Worship Arts. Brad holds an undergraduate degree in Music from Taylor University as well as a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology, both from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Brad and his wife Bekah have been married since 2010 and currently reside in Mundelein.

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